Colon cancer is cancer in the large intestine, or lower part of your digestive system. In early stages, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms begin to appear, they may be varied and vague. The stage of a cancer indicates how extensively it has moved into the body. The staging system is standardized so doctors providing care can describe the extent and decide on treatment. The National Cancer Institute, or NCI, describes stage IV as cancer that has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, peritoneum, or ovaries.
History
The NCI estimates there will be 102,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2010. They estimate there will be 51,370 deaths from colon and rectal cancer combined. The American Cancer Society, or ACS, estimates that of these cases diagnosed, 49,470 will be in men and 53,430 will be in women. They estimate 26,580 of the deaths will be men and 24,790 will be women.
Significance
The prognosis for people with colon cancer depends on whether the cancer has penetrated through the layers of the bowel, whether there are lymph nodes involved and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs. In stage IV, all three of these situations are present. That means that people diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer may receive treatment that is a little different from those diagnosed in earlier stages.
Treatment
Recurrence of the disease is a major factor in treating people with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery may be recommended if there are few distant metastases that are small enough to remove with the colon cancer in order to help the person live longer. For advanced stage IV cancer, surgery might be recommended to relieve or prevent a blockage and help you be more comfortable.
Chemotherapy is frequently the first treatment method used in an effort to shrink a tumor so it can be removed. For most patients, chemotherapy targeted to specific organs or tumor cells is the recognized treatment to control stage IV colon cancer.
Radiation treatments may be used to help shrink a tumor and relieve pain. This is not a cure, but rather is intended to make you more comfortable.
Complementary/Alternative Treatments
You will hear and read about complementary/alternative treatments for cancer. Complementary treatments are measures that are used alongside your traditional medical treatments. Your doctor may recommend some of these to you. They include such methods as following a well-balanced diet and/or taking suggested supplements. Relaxation techniques or acupuncture to reduce pain and relieve stress may be helpful.
Alternative treatment methods are designed to take the place of your traditional medical treatments. The biggest concern with using alternative methods is the time lost from proven care, which may determine the ultimate outcome of your disease and reduce survival time.
Ultimately, the choice of treatment rests with you, the patient. It is very important to develop a good relationship with your oncologist and discuss additional treatment methods with her.
Prognosis
When you look at the ACS survival rates for people with stage IV colon cancer, it is important to remember some important facts. First, these are people who were diagnosed and treated at least five years ago. Research is ongoing and new treatment methods are being developed regularly. You have the benefit of these newer drugs and treatments and clinical trials. Second, colon cancer tends to occur in older people who often have heart disease and other health concerns. They may have been diagnosed with colon cancer but died of something else.
The NCI 5-year survival rate of 6% for stage IV colon cancer is from more than 28,000 people who were diagnosed with colon cancer between 1998 and 2000. Much has been done in the past 10 years to improve treatment and increase the percentage of people surviving colon cancer. You will benefit from that research!
